How to become a New Zealand Citizen

Today’s post will focus on the same issue of citizenship as our previous article on how to get Canadian citizenship, choosing to explore the route to achieving New Zealand citizenship.

REMEMBER!

The most important flag in Flag Theory is the first one, which calls for a second citizenship in order to facilitate international travel, avoid dependence and oppression, whether economic or otherwise, from a single government, and to unlock the advantages of certain business-friendly locations.

This post, as also with the one previous, intends to show you the steps for taking that first step by gaining a second citizenship, but, again, this is only the first flag of many. In order to realize the full potential of Flag Theory, you will have to continue down its path.

How to become a New Zealand citizen

These following ways in which one can gain citizenship in New Zealand are worth mentioning, though they concern factors out of one’s control:

Citizenship by Birth

If an individual was born in New Zealand before January 1, 2006; or,

If an individual was born in New Zealand on or after January 1, 2006, with at least one parent being:

NZ citizen or permanent resident; or,

Permanent resident of Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau.

Citizenship by Descent

If an individual was born outside New Zealand on or after 1 January 1978, and one of your parents was a New Zealand citizen otherwise than by descent at the time of your birth.

Citizenship by Adoption

If an individual was legally adopted by a citizen of New Zealand.

Citizenship by Grant

This is the most involved process, which we will now discuss.

Requirements for Being Granted New Zealand Citizenship

As with Canada, the requirements for citizenship may not be as intensive as one would think:

New Zealand residence;

At least 16 years of age;

Physically present in New Zealand for at least 1,350 days during the five years before your application, and for at least 240 days in each of those five years;

Ability to read and write in English;

Understanding the “responsibilities and privileges” of New Zealand citizenship;

Of good character; and,

Intention to remain in New Zealand if granted citizenship.

Establishing Residency in New Zealand

Again, as with Canada, the most difficult hurdle is to immigrate to and establish residency in New Zealand. There are several routes for being granted a residency visa:

Skilled Migrant Category

If an individual has the skills, qualifications or experience deemed valuable by the New Zealand government, it is possible to apply for a resident visa straight away under the Skilled Migrant Category;

Having been ‘self-employed’ in that business for at least two years; and

No minimum time requirement for which you must have operated your business. Once these requirements are met, residency is an option.

Other Routes to Residency

Australian Passport

Individuals will gain an NZ resident visa when entering the country with:

A valid Australian passport;

a current Australian Permanent Residence Visa; or,

a current Australian Resident Return Visa.

Family

New Zealand citizens can sponsor their partner, dependent child or parent for citizenship.

Refugee Family Support

New Zealand citizens granted residence as refugees can sponsor a family member and that person’s partner and dependent children for residence. There are 300 places available annually.

Samoan Quota

A number of citizens of Samoa are invited to live in NZ as residents every year.

Pacific Access Quota

A number of citizens of Kiribati, Tuvalu and Tonga (including their partners and dependent children) are invited to live in NZ as residents every year.

Applying for New Zealand Citizenship

Now that all requirements for being granted citizenship are met, all that is left is to apply! To do this, simply complete the application form, and lodge it, along with all photographs, documents and fees, with the citizenship office.

You can do this by making an appointment with a case officer at a Citizenship Office, simply dropping off the materials in person at a Citizenship Office or sending everything through the mail.

Confirming New Zealand Citizenship

If the citizenship application is approved, the final step is to complete the ‘Confirmation of New Zealand Naturalization by Grant,’ an official document from the New Zealand Citizenship Office confirming the named person’s status as a New Zealand citizen and how the criteria for citizenship was met.

Successful Citizenship

Once all the paperwork and fees are submitted, all that is left to do is to attend a citizenship ceremony and take an oath or affirmation. New Zealand citizenship has been achieved!

Unlike some countries, New Zealand allows their citizens to maintain citizenship in multiple jurisdictions. This means freedom from a single government and, most importantly, it puts you well on your way to achieving the privacy and security of wealth that everyone deserves.

NOTICE:The contents of this article are not to be considered as a legal opinion or tax advice and should not be relied upon as such. Far Horizon Capital Inc does not hold itself out as a legal or tax advisor. If you wish to receive a legal opinion or tax advice on the matter(s) in this article please contact our offices and we will refer you to an appropriate legal practitioner. Use of our website FlagTheory.com is subject to our terms and conditions.